The optimistic consistency scheme has been established with respect to data consistency and availability in distributed systems. The nomadic data consistency model using version vectors to support data versioning for data synchronization and concurrent conflict detection is suitable for an optimistic replication system that supports large-scale wireless networks. This paper describes the architecture and its data consistency model using data versioning and its access domain control targeted for nomadic data sharing systems, such as collaborative works using database and messaging, and the data transfer optimizations of the model. We evaluate our data versioning scheme comparing with a traditional data versioning and the data transfer optimization by estimation and measurement assuming a mobile worker's job. We generate arithmetic formulas for data transfer estimation using the optimizing techniques and apply them to large-scale data sharing configurations in which collaboration groups are dynamically formed and data is exchanged in each group. The data versioning with an access domain increases flexibility in data sharing configurations, such as mobile collaboration systems and client/server type mobile systems. We confirmed that the combination of the general optimizations and the access domain configurations based on our data consistency model is applicable for large-scale mobile data sharing systems.

The third generation cellular system will provide high bandwidth data service and multimedia applications are proposed on the high-speed data link. On the other hand, cellular handsets are getting equipped with a short-range radio communication device that is mainly targeted to connect cellular handsets to computers. In this paper, we propose a percolating data delivery mechanism for a cellular-ad hoc integrated network utilizing multicast/broadcast communication, which is endorsed by data synchronization, and single-hop ad hoc networks for information shower/exchange services. The mechanism lessens data traffic in both the cellular and the ad hoc network for data delivery and tolerates unexpected disconnection in the ad hoc network. The mechanism also compensates data delivery in areas out of the cellular service. Our implementation of the data delivery mechanism utilizes Bluetooth for an ad hoc network configuration, and delivers data in the cellular network to the Bluetooth ad hoc network via the data synchronization mechanism. We evaluate communication traffic and delivery time on the prototype system and discuss about the efficiency of the mechanism.

The Communications Research Laboratory (CRL) started a new project named the New Generation Mobile Network Project in April 2002. The target of this project is the development of new technologies to enable seamless and secure integration of various wireless access networks such as 3rd and 4th generation cellular, wireless LAN, high-speed mobile wireless, wired communications, and broadcasting networks. This paper presents an overview of CRL's new generation mobile communication system that is called The Multimedia Integrated Network by Radio Access Innovation Plus (MIRAI+), as well as details the role of Software Radio Technology (SDR) in MIRAI+.

A number of mobile hosts might be densely staying in an area caused by traffic congestions. The greater part of the mobile hosts will require commonly useful data, such as traffic information, parking information and other driving related information in such environment. Simultaneous data transmission broadcasts using a common link are regarded as a suitable means to distribute this location-dependent information. However, there is no guarantee that mobile hosts can finish receiving the information completely within a limited time. In this paper, we propose a data retransmission method for communications between a base station and mobile hosts and a data recovery processing method for use between base stations. The data retransmission method called "TOA" (The Order of Arrival) schedules retransmission data specified in the first NACK request received after retransmission processing. We have proposed "Advanced" Join system in which a base station makes consolidated join requests to a multicast group on behalf of mobile hosts. Applying the TOA method to resending in the Advanced Join system, data-receiving efficiency is higher than with the simple Advanced Join system and the absolute number of completed mobile host data reception is higher. Using the TOA method, even with the base station disposition rate of 50% the number of completed reception is higher than with the Advanced Join system at 80%. The proposed reliable multicasting system to the DSRC-based ITS network can realize an efficient base station arrangement in the ITS network infrastructure and contribute to the deployment of a superior ITS.

Various information and communication technology (ICT) applications have been introduced for use in disaster-stricken areas. Of these, those for healthcare purposes proved useful when used for continually monitoring health conditions and easily using medical and healthcare devices, such as sphygmomanometers, which are familiar to the public. Devices that were easy to understand and use were more acceptable in the first post-disaster stage in a temporary housing community as victims were experiencing mental and physical trauma. After gaining the trust of medical/healthcare staff caring for the victims, we could move to the next stage with their support. ICT technologies are tools and are basically invisible to victims; a notion we have recognized anew. This paper introduces our activities in the area of healthcare monitoring services. The UMe-1 system and subset health check kiosk version 0 are introduced. The kiosk is simple and important for life support advisers in support centers as a tool for checking the health condition of residents. Not all those living in the target temporary housing community are currently using the kiosk due to its location within the widespread premises, but the director of a support center recognizes the utility of the kiosk and expects that a community-based kiosk and user-friendly BAN device could be used at home for mimamori (the Japanese concept of informally monitoring healthcare) because residents living far from support centers have difficulty regularly visiting the center, especially in the winter. We introduced a television-based, in-home health check kiosk and are currently working on its development. There are gaps between actually deployable technologies and research results, but it is also important to continue to address research issues concerning reducing impact through the user interface and introducing less stress to the everyday lives of disaster victims.